Commissioner elected as Secretary for European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC)

NICCY is pleased to confirm that Commissioner Chris Quinn has been elected as Secretary by the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) at the 29^th annual ENOC conference and General Assembly in Bucharest, Romania.

Chris will be responsible for supporting the overall functioning of the network during his one-year term, and act as an integral person in the planning and delivery of annual seminars and conferences that protect and promote children’s rights.

NICCY also received the news at the General Assembly held today that they will be the official hosts of the European Network of Youth Advisors (ENYA) conference in 2026.

Chris said: “I am honoured to attend this year’s conference and to have been elected by my peers from across Europe to this position. I am proud to represent NICCY internationally, and I look forward to working with the ENOC Committee in the coming year as Secretary.

“My office and I are equally delighted that NICCY are the hosts of ENYA 2026. It is a privilege to welcome international delegates for next year’s conference and bring to life the issues and challenges that children and young people face locally and internationally.

 

“We can’t wait to show young people across Europe the energy and vibrance that our communities and culture has to offer. This will be a fantastic opportunity to build friendships and connections as Commissioners, child-rights professionals and young people work together to enshrine a child’s right to say what they think in all matters that affect them, and have their views taken seriously.”

This year’s ENOC conference theme focused on Protecting and Promoting Children’s Right to Physical Health, and it was attended by hundreds of delegates from over 44 institutions across 34 countries in Europe.

Chris spoke on a panel at this year’s event in relation to the implementation of children’s right to physical health by Independent Children’s Rights Institutions (ICRIs).

NICCY also invited NICCY Youth Panel member Elodie to attend this year’s conference to share her views on the importance of health education for children and young people. Elodie spoke to delegates about her lived experience of being a patient in the Northern Ireland health care system and how to advocate for children and young people to make informed decisions about their own healthcare.

She said: “It was incredible to speak at this year’s ENOC and ENYA conferences. I value the support that the Commissioner provides to encourage children and young people from NI to be represented at these events.

“My experience of the healthcare system intends to provide a perspective that can help amend policies and shape healthcare legislations within Europe. I am grateful that young delegates are given a platform for children and young people’s voices, especially when we know we are protected by rights that empower us to make things better and help us thrive.”

Elodie also spoke about the need for inclusive healthcare at ENOC’s European Network of Youth Advisors conference in Croatia this summer, read her story here.

ENOC is a not-for-profit association of ICRIs. Its purpose is to facilitate the promotion and protection of the rights of children, as stated in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Since its establishment in 1997, ENOC members ensure European-wide bodies place child rights at the centre of their activities, legislation and policies, and adopt a child-rights approach to their work through advocacy and policy. ENOC also delivers yearly engagement and participation events with children and young people across Europe, from consultations to conferences.

ENOC institutions collaborate with jurisdictions to develop national strategies for child health and wellbeing, so they are aligned with the EU Child Guarantee and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This year’s conference wrapped up on Friday 19 September with an agreement of a collective endorsement of ENOC’s position statement on the Protection and Promotion of Children’s Right to Physical Health.

The statement supports and reflects current CYP challenges, such as media influence (including content promoting body shaming, pro-feeding and eating disorders, violence and self-harm), and the impact of devices and the digital environment on physical activity.

ENOC member institutions contributed to the statement by providing relevant data regarding children’s right to health within their jurisdictions, which was informed and enriched by the views and direct experiences of young people participating in the ENYA (European Network of Young Advisors) 2025 project, and ENOC members.

This week also marks Commissioner Chris Quinn’s second year in office as the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People. Chris celebrated this milestone on Thursday 18 September with a message about his reflections on the past year and his plans for NICCY’s future.

Chris said: “I have big ambitions for NICCY and children in NI. I am dedicated to working as hard as I can to safeguard their rights and play my role in improving the lives of babies, children, young people and families.

“I want to ensure NI is firmly on the map as a regarded leader in terms of the promotion and protection of children’s rights.”

For more information about the European Network of Ombudspersons, visit ENOC.